The Oluwo of Iwo ban on alcoholic drinks has sparked widespread reactions after the monarch declared that Hennessy and other spirits are no longer welcome in his palace. He warned visitors to stop bringing such gifts, saying they pose a danger to his health.
The traditional ruler, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, made the declaration in a video shared on his Facebook page. He insisted that alcoholic drinks commonly presented to kings and elders should no longer be accepted.
According to the monarch, alcohol is harmful and should not be part of palace traditions. He also argued that the practice has no connection with genuine Yoruba culture.
Speaking in the video, Oba Akanbi said, “The so-called alcohol usually presented or reserved for the elders is detrimental to their health – it leads to death.”
He warned those planning to present alcoholic drinks to reconsider their actions. According to him, “Anyone who brings hot drinks to the king’s palace wants to eliminate the king. Gin, schnapps reserved for the elderly should not be brought to my palace because what they call alcohol for the elderly is made by the Western people to kill and destroy internal organs. It will render the kidneys useless.”
Referring specifically to Hennessy, the monarch added, “I heard you brought Hennessy; don’t bring it here o; you want to kill me. Anyone who brings Hennessy or other dangerous alcoholic drinks has the intention to kill me. So, I should drink an entire bottle; what will I use to pray?”
Beyond the Oluwo of Iwo ban on alcoholic drinks, the monarch criticised other traditional practices. He described masquerades beating people as violence and opposed restrictions during the Oro festival.
He said, “We restrict people’s movement; even the president cannot do that. It is unconstitutional. It is illegal,” while questioning why women should be stopped from moving freely during traditional festivals.
